Page 51 of Mistress A-0002

Tick.

The sound wouldn’t stop. No matter what I did, my eyes kept going to the clock on my office wall. With every jump of the seconds’ hand, I could feel the twinge of maddening screams build. I wanted to pace. To stand and…go crazy. I didn’t understand the onset any more than I could decipher why I was having a side effect to my own order for Ally to kill her Master, Braddock. It didn’t make sense. Hadn’t I walked myself throughthe exercises to reverse the action? Hadn’t I pushed my mind to mentally envision breaking the clock; defusing the bomb I implanted within her?

Tick.

Tick.

Tick.

Sweat built between my cleavage, and I pressed my blouse into wetness to soak it in. It was all in my head. It wasn’t real, and once Ally killed Braddock, it would stop. It would die with both of them. There was no way Elec would let the blank slate live with committing murder. All that would be left was Jett and Ronald. I didn’t suspect my husband would live past the week. Not with how determined Adrian was. I was doing the right thing by letting him take care of this for me, wasn’t I?

Knocking had my hand dropping from my chest, where I’d mindlessly moved my palm to rest over my racing heart. I stood, taking a deep breath, flattening my fingertips on the desk.

“Come in.”

The door cracked, pausing only a moment before a tall blonde woman walked in. Her hair was long, cascading in soft waves, stopping just past her narrowed shoulders. She had the typical Hollywood vibe, but more of an old Hollywood versus new. Elegance. Charm. There was no filler enhancing her slightly thin lips. No surgery correcting the width of her medium-sized nose. Her breasts didn’t appear to be augmented. Yet…she was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. She was real, holding a natural beauty that was refreshing and so unlike most of the women who came to see me.

“You must be Fiona Buret.” I walked around my desk as she shut the door, turning to meet me halfway. The pale blue dress she wore stopped just above her knees and fit modestly with its square neckline and hip-leveled white-trimmed pockets.

“Dr. LaRoe. It’s so nice to finally meet you.” She shook my hand, throwing me a dazzling smile. “I’ve only just got here. I decided it was best to check in with you before I settle into my apartment.”

“Of course. Yes, please, have a seat while I look over your file.”

At my gesture, she settled into the front chair as I headed back to mine. Usually with new entries, I would have scanned the chart beforehand, but I hadn’t even gotten that far.

“Did our Main Master give you the tour yet? We have a wonderful movie theater, as well as some great boutiques.”

I glanced up to her amused gaze as I opened the file.

“That’s not necessary. I’m very well acquainted with this place. I’m not here as a new Mistress, Dr. LaRoe. I was informed you were made aware of my arrival.”

“I was. Nineteen informed me of your arrival just this morning.” I stopped, blinking in confusion. Again, I glanced at the words inside the folder. All I was seeing was typed letters and scribbles of initials and signatures. Nothing registered as I cleared my throat and forced my brain to kick in.Presented. Best interest. Blah-blah.Lawyer.

“L-Lawyer,” I stammered, still not able to put the pieces together.

“Yes.” Her smile held concern as she scanned my face. “I hope that’s okay. I assure you, I’m the best.”

“Lawyer,” I repeated.Lawyer. Lawyer.

“The Main Master thought it was in your best interest that you obtain council. For Jett,” she emphasized. “The trial?—”

My hand shot up. Seconds passed before I could trust myself to speak.

“Elec sent you to represent my son?”

A pause. “Dr. LaRoe, Jett’s charges are?—”

My head shook, and I pushed to my feet. Anger built by the second, but not because of Elec. My freedom was threatened. My glimmer of hope wavered as my plans became endangered. Represent Jett? Represent that lying, ungrateful, troublemaker?

“I know the charges and so does Jett. Has he asked for help? Has he requested council?”

“Well…no.”

“Because he has nothing to hide. He will not be found guilty because the slave was complicit.She wanted it.” I pushed to stand and lean forward as I glared down at her. She was no longer beautiful to me. I wanted to see her face bashed in. I wanted her to pay for thinking of derailing my plans.

“Dr. LaRoe, Jett is young. He may not even know he’s allowed a lawyer. If you’ll just let me meet with him. I’m here to help.”

“Are you, with your modest dress and nude lipstick? I’m not so sure about that. You tell the Main Master thank you for the offer, but Jett will be found innocent of these charges.” She stood to mirror me. “And if not,” I continued. “He brought it on himself. He doesn’t need a lawyer. He needs his mother. We’re done here. Good day, Ms. Buret.”

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